Torch - 2021 Edition

Farewell

Saying Goodbye to Our Retirees

GINA BONCORE / UPPER SCHOOL FACULTY

By Stephanie Bryant There are three words that, in my mind, define Gina in the seven years I have come to know her at Havergal: breath, connection and play. Breath... take a long breath through the nose... release with a slow sigh... and notice how your pointed shoulders relax. Whether infusing her classes with mindfulness, offering to lead yoga sessions for teachers and students or simply forest bathing in the Lisa Hardie Trail, Gina has helped countless students and colleagues rediscover the importance of being present and calm. This is a state of mind so important for rich learning and teaching to occur and Gina is a guru. She has always sought deep connections in her teaching. As a French teacher, she helps By Bishop Susan Bell and Dr. Michael Simmonds Catherine joined the Havergal family in 2004 after a successful career in Human Resources with the Four Seasons Toronto. Using her many relational and organizational gifts, she played a significant role in cultivating a progressive and compassionate workplace culture at Havergal, where her broad portfolio crossed all departments within the school. Catherine is a trusted mentor and counsellor and was dedicated to helping the members of our community navigate professional and life transitions with their wellbeing at the centre of all her work.

students find the truth and contemporary relevance in powerful texts such as Les misérables . During the Remote Learning Plan, Gina asked her students to look inside and think about what they had learned about themselves during the experience. She is also a gifted listener who responded so well to her students’ needs and was always willing to lend an empathetic ear to anyone. And then there is play. For Gina, that means learning by doing. Whether encouraging students to learn a practical and artistic life skill in the Sewing Club, having her classes experience the finer points of the French goûter (French for “delicious afternoon snack”) in class or at a neighbouring French pâtisserie , or developing and leading a rich cultural and Catherine’s experience of Havergal has been personal as well as professional. Being at school with her daughter, Izzy Caven (School Captain, Class of 2016) was a highlight of her years at Havergal and she has been deeply appreciative of the formative influence that the Faculty and Staff have on students’ wellbeing and success. In a school community that also showcases the visual and performing arts, Catherine was welcomed into the Staff and Senior Bands—this after a 30-year break from playing the saxophone. This experience reignited her musical aspirations and, with the support of Havergal’s music teachers, she now plays in one of the city’s symphonic bands.

culinary excursion in Quebec City ( Québec culinaire ), Gina motivated and inspired her students and colleagues with

rich experiences. Play is also about risk-taking and Gina herself is always game to learn to do something new: being a soca sister for the teacher lip-sync contest and learning disco moves at the Québecois musical Saturday Night Fever are just a couple of examples. I will miss Gina’s big Barbra Streisand smile in the halls and Languages office, her Italian flair and, most of all, her warm words of wisdom and encouragement. Ciao e grazie, bella!

CATHERINE CAVEN ORTVED / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE

Catherine is very grateful to have

worked with such an extraordinary community of Faculty and Staff who make Havergal what it is today. Her colleagues miss her professionalism, wonderful sense of humour and kindness. A lover of reading and literature of all kinds, her book recommendations will be missed. Catherine, in turn, misses her colleagues—most especially her valued assistant, Cathy LeBlanc, with whom she shared so much. She passes on her warm wishes to all and hopes for the very best for the school in the future.

ANDREW MCHAFFIE / UPPER SCHOOL FACULTY After 24 years at Havergal, we say goodbye to a valued and supportive colleague, Andrew McHaffie, who has helped to build the

for design has influenced the projects he created in both departments over the years. From his first year at Havergal in 1996, Andrew was involved in the school’s yearbook, at first as an assistant advisor and then as the lead Staff advisor for 19 editions of the Ludemus ; he and the yearbook crew surpassed themselves each year. He was also involved in a number of clubs and publications over the years, including the Robotics team, The Bluestocking and Behind the Ivy .

Andrew has been a supportive colleague who has always been willing to share his

Technological Education Department into a vibrant and creative entity. He has helped girls learn to critically analyze and produce detailed works of art and was at the forefront of introducing new technologies to the school, such as 3D printing and laser cutting. Andrew also taught Canadian & World Geography in the Social Sciences Department. His passion

knowledge, skills and tips. His work ethic and passion for teaching are admirable and we will miss his vibrant energy.

32 HAVERGAL COLLEGE